Direct Visitor Spending Reached $76.6M in Culpeper, Virginia in 2023
October 2, 2024 Updates
-Statewide visitor spending reached $33.3 billion-
CULPEPER, VA – Visitor spending in Culpeper saw strong year-over-year growth and continues to pace well ahead of pre-pandemic levels. Direct visitor spending reached $76.6 million in 2023, up 4.3 percent from 2022. Tourism-supported jobs totaled 760 while direct tourism-related taxes produced $5.7M in local and state revenue.
According to the Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC), tourism in Virginia generated $33.3 billion in visitor spending in 2023, marking a nearly 10 percent increase in spending in 2023. The tourism industry also supported 224,000 jobs for Virginia communities and provided $2.4 billion in state and local revenue. All data is from Tourism Economics and is based on domestic visitor spending from trips taken 50 miles or more away from home.
“The strength of Culpeper’s tourism economy is rooted in the strength of our partners. From our renowned culinary scene, to outdoor recreation, an abundance of history & heritage experiences, and our award winning Main Street, visitors continue to connect with all Culpeper has to offer,” said Paige Read, Director of Culpeper Tourism “which is evident, as all five categories of tourism spending have seen in increase for a third year in a row.”
“We are incredibly proud that Virginia’s tourism industry reached unprecedented heights in 2023, with visitor spending hitting a record over $33 billion,” said President and CEO of Virginia Tourism Corporation Rita McClenny. “This $3 billion increase from 2022 not only surpasses pre-pandemic levels by an impressive 14.7% but also underscores the resilience and appeal of our Commonwealth as a premier travel destination. As our current flagship campaign emphasizes, ‘Vacation starts with VA,’ and as Virginia looks ahead, VTC remains committed to promoting the Commonwealth’s unique offerings and supporting the growth of the tourism industry. The success of 2023 sets a strong foundation as we build on this momentum in the years to come.”
All five categories of visitor spending in the Commonwealth have now fully recovered to pre-pandemic levels and beyond. Those categories include recreation, transportation, lodging, food & beverage, and retail. Recreation was the fastest growing category in 2023, up 12% over 2022 and 24% beyond pre-pandemic levels, more than any other category, as travelers continue to show a strong preference for experiences. Transportation saw the second highest growth, up 11% in 2023, placing it 11% above pre-pandemic levels. Transportation captures the largest share of visitor spending at 30% due to Virginia’s major gateway airports, Washington Dulles International and Reagan National. Lodging spending grew by 9% in 2023, surpassing 2019 levels by 13%. Throughout 2023, Virginia’s visitor economy benefited from balanced hotel performance as business and group demand recovered strongly on weekdays against a backdrop of stable leisure demand during weekends.
About Culpeper Tourism
Culpeper Tourism is responsible for promoting and marketing Culpeper as an attractive travel destination, enhancing the community’s public image as a dynamic place to not only visit, but live, work and play. Through the impact of travel, we strengthen Culpeper’s economic position and provide opportunities for our citizens.
About Virginia Tourism Corporation
Virginia is for Lovers is one of the most iconic and recognizable travel brands in the world. Using that powerful brand equity, Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC) is charged with promoting the Commonwealth as a premier travel destination by showcasing all there is to love in a Virginia vacation. The dollars spent by travelers fuel the economy, provide jobs for Virginians, and improve communities across the state. Simply put, tourism helps make Virginia a great place to live, work, and visit. Learn more at virginia.org.
** Virginia Tourism partnered with Tourism Economics for its 2023 Annual Economic Impact study.
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